In the sideways year 2020, many companies on Maui have been beyond challenged to keep their companies alive and serving their longtime patrons and fans. Yet, somehow, many of them have grown new roots, cracked open their collective coconuts and discovered creative ways to turn lemons into lemonade. In short, controlling their own destiny. One company that has managed to … [Read more...] about 2020 Maui Film Festival Takes Flight
Barry Rivers
20 Years of the Maui Film Festival: Critic Barry Wurst II reflects on the greatest movies to play at the world’s finest film festival
As the annual Maui Film Festival enters its 20th year, the high points are easy to cite. Let's start with the various "Tastes": the Oceanside Taste of Summer, the "crown jewel" Taste of Wailea, and for serious choco-holics, the granddaddy of them all, the Taste of Chocolate. There's the glorious outdoor bonding experience of the Celestial Cinema, the cool and intimate Castle … [Read more...] about 20 Years of the Maui Film Festival: Critic Barry Wurst II reflects on the greatest movies to play at the world’s finest film festival
Maui Film Festival Brings the Talent
Every year, film buffs eagerly await the details of the annual Maui Film Festival in Wailea – wanting to know what movies are being screened; but more than that, we all anticipate which major celebrity will be honored at that year's event. Wait no longer. Paul Rudd will receive the Nova Award at the 2019 Maui Film Festival, which will celebrate its 20th annual event from … [Read more...] about Maui Film Festival Brings the Talent
FIRSTLIGHT: 20 Years of Barry Rivers’ Special Screenings
In a typical Maui movie year, film buffs get a full course buffet of film choices for the first and second quarter of the year. Our local theaters and Barry Rivers' beloved Maui Film Festival provide a wide range of films, including locally made indies, a few under-the-radar studio gems, and the onslaught of big studio offerings. Then, as the end of the year arrives, news of … [Read more...] about FIRSTLIGHT: 20 Years of Barry Rivers’ Special Screenings
Chocolate, Diamonds and Stars: The Film Festival’s other features
Many years ago, recognizing a need in the community, Barry Rivers started a film event at the Maui Arts and Cutural Center called Candlelight Cafe & Cinema. Since then, that Wednesday “weekend in the middle of the week” event has blossomed into a full-fledged, multiple-location festival where the community gathers on the grass under the stars to watch hand-picked films they … [Read more...] about Chocolate, Diamonds and Stars: The Film Festival’s other features